If you love pasta and a hearty, cheesy bake, then Baked Ziti is the perfect dish for you! This crowd-pleasing casserole is loaded with tender ziti pasta, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, potluck, or just need some cozy comfort food, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s super simple to make and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. Stick around as we walk you through every step under 45 minutes!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Baked Ziti Recipe
Let’s talk about Baked Ziti—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. Seriously, it’s like lasagna’s chill cousin who doesn’t need all the formal layering. Originating from Italian-American kitchens, this dish has won hearts for its simple ingredients and cheesy goodness. Imagine tender ziti pasta baked to bubbly perfection with marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and ooey-gooey mozzarella. It’s the ultimate bring-to-a-potluck or post-soccer practice dinner.If you’re someone who’s scared of the idea of ‘baking,’ don’t worry. This recipe is super forgiving, and the prep is mostly about layering ingredients. Wanna tweak it? Add spicy sausage for a kick, go vegetarian with lots of roasted veggies, or sprinkle in fresh basil for that herbaceous touch. No fancy techniques needed, just heartfelt cooking! Let us show you how it comes together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for families.
- Simple to prepare in under 45 minutes.
- Customizable with different proteins or veggies.
- Makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for potluck gatherings.
- Uses basic pantry ingredients.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ziti Pasta: Penne works great if ziti isn’t available.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese is a good substitute if you’re in a pinch.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded or sliced. Provolone can also be incorporated for extra flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Any favorite jarred or homemade sauce works beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish—grated Asiago could work too.
- Ground Meat: Can use ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage—or skip it for a vegetarian option.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—play with the flavors you love.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your Oven: Set it to 375°F. This ensures your ziti bakes up evenly.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook ziti in salted water until al dente (firm but cooked). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, brown ground meat (if using) and add marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Ricotta Layer: Combine ricotta with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Layer the Dish: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of pasta, then the ricotta mixture, and finally sauce. Repeat and top with extra cheese.
- Bake: Pop the dish into the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to make slicing easier. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Spray your baking dish with non-stick spray to make cleanup a breeze.
Undercook your pasta by 1-2 minutes since it’ll finish cooking while baking.
Add a drizzle of olive oil to your cooked pasta to prevent sticking.
Use fresh mozzarella for maximum gooeyness.
Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to keep the cheese from over-browning.
Variations and Customizations
There are so many ways to make Baked Ziti your own! Want a protein-packed version? Toss in cooked ground sausage or chicken. Prefer a vegetarian twist? Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can swap the ziti for gluten-free pasta. Feeling adventurous? Try different cheeses—Provolone, fontina, or even Gruyere work wonderfully. For spice lovers, a pinch of crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage can take the dish to the next level. And, if you’re looking to cut back on the dairy, use a plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternative!
Nutritional Information
For one serving of Baked Ziti, you’re looking at about 450-500 calories depending on portion size. This includes around 20g of protein (thanks to the cheese and optional meat), 50-60g of carbs (pasta is a carb powerhouse, after all), and about 15g of fat, mostly from the cheese. It’s hearty and filling! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can reduce calories by using low-fat ricotta and skipping additional Parmesan—a little goes a long way. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on your ingredients.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Awesome, because Baked Ziti tastes just as good the next day (if not better!). Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes on medium power or bake the whole dish at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Just cover it with foil to keep the cheese from drying out. If you’re planning to freeze it, let the dish cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Card of Baked Ziti
Ingredients list
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (26 ounce jars)
- 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
- 1.5 cups sour cream
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make sure you have all your ingredients ready for this delicious baked ziti dish. It adds a special twist to every meal.
- Boil a sizeable pot of salted water. Add in the ziti pasta and cook to al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain well.
- While pasta cooks, brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet on medium heat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and let simmer for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to a welcoming 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the ziti in the prepared dish, creating a substantial base.
- Carefully layer the Provolone cheese, crafting a rich middle layer.
- Spread the sour cream atop, merging flavors seamlessly.
- Add the remaining meat sauce, ziti, mozzarella, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Place into the preheated oven and bake until everything is hot and the cheese has melted, approximately 30 minutes.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
Yes! You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely, cover it tightly, and thaw before reheating.
Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
Absolutely. Swap regular ziti pasta for a gluten-free variety—it works perfectly!
Do I have to include meat?
Not at all. Baked Ziti is just as tasty if you go vegetarian—load it with roasted vegetables instead.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Fresh mozzarella gives the best gooeyness, but pre-shredded mozzarella works, too. You can also experiment with Provolone or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the cheese from over-browning?
Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover to finish baking.
Wow, this baked ziti recipe looks absolutely incredible! I love how it combines three types of cheese with sour cream for that extra creamy middle—such a comforting touch. I’m thinking of trying it with ground turkey for a lighter twist. Can’t wait to pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad as you suggested!